Review: Bob Corritore & Friends ‘High Rise Blues’
By Mike O’Cull
Harp man and blues archivist Bob Corritore treats us all to a prime set of Chicago Blues tracked with genre giants on his latest release High Rise Blues.
Set to come out May 26th, 2023 via the VizzTone Label Group, High Rise Blues is a compilation of songs Corritore recorded with some of the biggest blues stars in Chicago between 1992 and 2022. Each song is a previously-unreleased gem done with a long list of blues heavies including Bo Diddley, Jimmy Rogers, Koko Taylor, Magic Slim, Sam Lay, Pinetop Perkins, Chico Chism, Luther Tucker, John Brim, Eddy Clearwater, John Primer, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Lil’ Ed, Bob Reidy, Manuel Arrington, and Eddie Taylor, Jr. That’s a whole lot of talent for one record to hold but Corritore makes it happen by using his own gifts to push and compliment each legend in turn.
Originally from Chicago, Bob Corritore transplanted himself to Phoenix, Arizona in 1981 and created a blues scene in his new hometown. He started out by gigging all over town with fellow relocators Louisiana Red and Chico Chism. A weekly blues radio show soon followed and, in 1991, he opened the now-legendary blues club the Rhythm Room. He would book his favorite artists to come and play and give them a recording session as part of the deal. This tactic ended up creating a stack of unique and amazing recordings with a Who’s Who of blues stars that are now being made available to fans thanks to Corritore’s From The Vaults series, of which High Rise Blues is a part.
The tracks on High Rise Blues are uniformly sublime and present fresh performances from many Chicago Blues stars who have sadly gone on to that great gig in the sky. Blues fans love hearing new material from the Old Masters and Corritore does not disappoint us in that department. The album opens with none other than Muddy Waters’ guitarist Jimmy Rogers rocking his 1953 hit “Last Time.” It’s a jumping shuffle full of Rogers’ crisp vocals and genre-defining guitar work. Drummer Chico Chism rubs the pocket just right and Corritore blows his harp like a boss. It’s an entertaining track that will immediately lift your mood.
“Buddy Buddy Friends” brings Magic Slim to the fore and lets him speak about those folks who like the money in your pocket more than they do you. It’s a hard, funky cut with a strong groove and outstanding takes by Slim and Corritore. Lyrically, it teaches a tough lesson we all learn sooner or later and drops its truth with nothing to cushion the blow.
Bob’s title track “High Rise Blues” is a slow jam that spotlights Chico Chism and Luther Tucker. The song is a cautionary tale warning unmarried men of the dangers of messing with married women in the projects. Chism and Tucker lay it down right, tight, and honestly, creating a perfect late-night, small-bar atmosphere that’s irresistible.
The eternal Koko Taylor shines brightly on the brilliant shuffle “Twenty-Nine Ways.” Taylor was one of the finest blues singers Chicago ever produced and she turns this one into a clinic on how the trick is done. Her vibe is so natural and full of joy that it will stop you where you stand to listen. Corritore wails on his harp, the band grooves steady, and Koko’s very presence demonstrates everything we love about the blues. There will never be another like her.
The very-much-alive John Primer gets all over “Why Are You So Mean To Me.” Primer is a Grammy-nominated traditional blues singer and guitarist known for his solo career and his time working with Junior Wells, Muddy Waters, Magic Slim, and Willie Dixon. Primer embodies the classic Chicago style and he and Corritore are a hot-handed pair who fit together well.
Every tune on High Rise Blues goes down smooth and will have you returning for more. Having a different star on each cut will do that for you and you can tell that Corritore made the most of these sessions. Can’t-miss songs include “Grinder Man” with the late Pinetop Perkins and “Little Girl” with the great Bo Diddley. Bob Corritore does us all a solid by putting out these recordings for fans to hear and by bringing respect and attention to the icons and creators of Chicago Blues. What could be cooler than that?
Bob Corritore website
“Last Time”
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